Bryopsis

Introduction to Filamentous Hair Algae (Bryopsis):

Bryopsis is a nuisance alga that can overgrow corals and live rock. It is generally dark green and filamentous. It is an indicator of high levels of nitrates and phosphates. Often, the nitrates and phosphates are not detectable because they are being used by the Bryopsis.

Filamentous Hair Algae is not palatable to most reef herbivores, but some sea urchin and sea hares will eat these algae.

What Bryopsis looks like:

Bryopsis is a type of dark green alga. There are many types of Bryopsis, taking on many different forms.

Treatment:

After 5 – 10 minutes, remove the coral and discard the coral dip. Do not reuse coral dip as Coral Rx may have also removed parasites that have been known to release toxins.

Rinse coral and rock with clean saltwater and return to the aquarium.

Next, you must correct your water chemistry.

Repeat coral dip in 3 to 5 days and recheck your water chemistry daily.

For whole tank outbreaks, correct water chemistry, reduce photoperiod to 6 hours per day and clean skimmer on a daily basis. Cleaning a skimmer on a daily basis can improve skimming efficiency by up to 50%.